Whitening vs Bleaching At Prestige Dentistry In Palm Harbor

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that Prestige Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients see significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our Palm Harbor teeth whitening patients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, mean two different things. Surface cracks and stains occur on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic – like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce – have even greater staining power.Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, do it yourself strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and cost-effective and can illuminate teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for Trinity men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. Prestige Dentistry guides pregnant or nursing mothers to choose the non-bleach whitening products.

Teeth bleaching is used to describe a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be done in-office by your Florida cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can usually achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be effectively lightened under an experienced dentist’s supervision.

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Changing lives one smile at a time

The following online articles were used as source material for this post:

Linda Dyett, ‘Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs,’ Consumer Guide to Dentistry, September 12, 2011, http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012